Apparatus for forming structures in the form of segments of a sphere

Abstract

A method and apparatus for forming a structure having an inner surface in the form of at least one segment of a sphere. An inner support is mounted at a fixed point from which a radius can be struck to define the inner surface of the structure. An elongated radial member is pivotally connected at one end to the inner support with its other end being movable vertically and horizontally. A forming member at the other end of the elongated member has an outer surface in the shape of the inner surface of the segment to be formed. An actuator moves the elongated member horizontally and vertically to selected positions to place the outer surface of the forming member opposite and adjacent the inner surface of each segment being formed. A forming material is applied to the outer surface of the forming member while it is opposite and adjacent the inner surface of the segment being formed to form each segment directly on the forming member.

What I claim is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for forming a structure having an inner surface which defines at least one segment of a sphere comprising: (a) an inner support member embodying an upstanding shaft-like member adapted to be anchored to a fixed point from which a radius can be struck to define the inner surface of the segment to be formed,   (b) a collar-like member mounted for rotation on said shaft-like member,   (c) a U-shaped clevis-like member having its legs pivotally connected to said collar-like member,   (d) an elongated tubular member having external threads in threaded engagement with a threaded opening through the base of said U-shaped clevis-like member,   (e) an elongated shaft-like element extending through said tubular member,   (f) an elongated radial member secured at one end to one end of said shaft-like element with the other end of said radial member extending outwardly from said shaft-like element and with said radial member adapted for horizontal pivotal movement and vertical pivotal movement relative to said inner support member,   (g) a stop member carried by the other end of said shaft-like element in position to engage the adjacent end of said tubular member and limit axial movement of said shaft-like element relative to said tubular member,   (h) means for rotating said tubular member relative to said clevis-like member to vary the effective length of said radial member,   (i) a forming member carried by said other end of said radial member with the other surface of said forming member being in the shape of the inner surface of said segment of a sphere to be formed, and   (j) actuator means operatively connected to said radial member and adapted to pivot said radial member horizontally and vertically to selected angular locations to position the outer surface of said forming member carried by said radial member opposite and adjacent the location of the inner surface of said segment of a sphere to be formed so that said segment is formable directly on the outer surface of said forming member.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus for forming a structure as defined in claim 1 in which a pair of oppositely disposed clevis-like members are connected to said collar-like member. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus for forming a structure as defined in claim 1 in which two pairs of oppositely disposed clevis-like members are connected to said collar-like member with adjacent clevis-like members being spaced approximately 90° from each other. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus for forming a structure as defined in claim 1 in which said actuator means comprises: (a) an elongated upstanding threaded member in threaded engagement with said elongated radial member between said inner support member and said forming member,   (b) means supporting the lower end of said upstanding threaded member for pivotal movement, and   (c) means for rotating said upstanding threaded member to move said elongated radial member to said selected angular locations.   
     
     
       5. Apparatus for forming a structure as defined in claim 4 in which said means supporting the lower end of said upstanding threaded member comprises a translatable frame having an inner portion pivotally connected to said inner support member and an outer portion carrying a pivotal connection for receiving the lower end of said upstanding threaded member. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus for forming a structure as defined in claim 5 in which said outer portion of the translatable frame carries supporting wheels which are mounted for rotation along a circular path within said structure. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus for forming a structure as defined in claim 6 in which said outer portion of the translatable frame carries jack units for supporting said translatable frame at selected level elevations.